Industry applauds success of EIBTM 2006

Results from EIBTM 2006 have been overwhelmingly positive and demonstrated a healthy boom in business for the industry at all levels. Predictions from exhibitors indicate that the three days of dynamic trading has generated success and new business opportunities results beyond their expectations with new business opportunities well beyond their expectations.

Barbara Jamison, Sales Manager Europe, Visit London said “We took over 40 enquiries with an average value of over £130K. The economic impact of our participation at EIBTM this year is £6m worth of enquiries. Once our follow-up work is completed we expect this figure to be nearer to £10million, which is more than double the figure from last year’s attendance. This rise demonstrates the strengthening of the London brand, the quality of product and expertise in the city and the growing demand for London. These results are testament to the hard work and commitment of Visit London and our partners within this industry.”

Over 34,000 appointments between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors were scheduled in advance of EIBTM 2006, an increase of 27 per cent on the previous year. The event saw an 11 per cent increase in Hosted Buyers with 98 per cent of all pre-scheduled appointments being attended throughout the three days.

Thorsten D. Meier, Managing Director - Worldwide, Leading Group Sales commented; “Leading Hotels of the World again participated at EIBTM with two stands (one focusing on meeting/ city destination hotels and the other on incentive/ resort destination properties) and probably had best MICE show in years. Over 800 meetings in three days and only 4 no shows – this says more than words. Our participating hotels have been more than pleased about the outcome and besides the vast amount of enquiries we received, several hotels actually contracted the requested business within 5 days of EIBTM! The quality was the best I have seen in my entire career.”

The EIBTM post event research revealed that 99 per cent of Hosted Buyers were satisfied with their participation in terms of meeting their commercial objectives and 98 per cent of Hosted Buyers would recommend to their colleague that they visit EIBTM. 80 per cent stated that they would place over 20,000 Euros worth of specific business as a result of attending EIBTM.

Hosted Buyer Ben Prins, Marketing Manager of Moller Metaal B.V. explained: “As in the past, my EIBTM visit was a real mix of doing business, collecting useful information, learning a lot because of worthwhile education sessions, and getting many new contacts worldwide as well as having a lot of fun and pleasure!”

EIBTM 2006 also saw an enlarged floor area of new exhibitors and increased stand space from over 50 exhibitors, including Greece, Germany, Canadian Tourism Commission, Turkey, Venezuela, Romania, Tourism Malaysia, Greater Miami CVB, Starwood Hotels and Colombia. Strong exhibitor representation from Central and South America was supported by Paraguay, El Salvador and Uruguay all participating at EIBTM for the first time. Other newcomers to EIBTM 2006 were, amongst others, Montenegro and Marina D’Or.

The MPI Technology Village and Event Services Village were both sold out months before the event with one of the largest collections of specialist exhibitors ever seen at EIBTM. These areas provided a valuable cross section of information and product news from some of the biggest names in the industry and its success will ensure the area grows further in 2007.
“The Technology Village is the perfect place to exhibit with the right audience” said Erik de Leeuw den Bouter, Account Manager, Parthen - The Meeting Services Company, Netherlands.

“It’s the first time we have joined an exhibition like EIBTM and its Event Services Village .The result is that we are planning to come back in 2007” summed up Cees Drinkenburg, International Business Consultant, ACS AV Company, Netherlands.

EIBTM 2006 delivered an enhanced and extended professional educational programme that featured the hottest topics for the global industry including trends, sustainability, technology, supplier selection and a 3 part “Wake up” series of inspirational and leadership seminars. 

“Highly qualified speakers, challenging debate and outstanding moderation, that’s how a technology debate works” said Hosted Buyer Thomas Haiberger, Trusted Consulting Service. 

“The success of EIBTM 2006 reflects our commitment to deliver an event that year on year means business for everyone concerned. Equally it is testament to the hard work and long hours that every visitor, buyer and exhibitor put in over the three days.  We will now focus our efforts towards 2007 by building on the education programme, business sessions, and networking opportunities, ensuring that the ROI for all concerned is met.” Commented Mandy Torrens, Event Manager, EIBTM.
 
The official ABC audited attendance figure for EIBTM 2006 (an independent verification process) confirms an increase of 9% per cent compared to last year’s attendance with a total visitor audience of 6,176.